Through a variety of programs - for high school and college leaders to first-time political candidates and influential business and community leaders - the Sorensen Institute has established itself as a powerful and effective force for restoring public confidence in our political system. At the heart of every Sorensen program are three central themes: ethics in public service, the power of bipartisanship, and a concentrated study of public policy issues.
Save The Date for our 18th Annual Spring Gala on April 10! Tickets will be available soon for this special event at the historic Altria Theater. Sponsorship opportunities are available—contact Colleen Smith at 434‑982‑4910 to start the conversation.
Meet the esteemed alumni who completed our program and continued on to improve their communities.
Our leadership development programs focus on Virginia residents interested in becoming active in public service.
Know someone who would be a good candidate for a Sorensen program? Tell us about them!
This award will be presented annually to the individuals who model the spirit and mission of Sorensen through the trust, civility and respect they have consistently shown toward others. They create sustainable efforts toward the betterment of a more decent and tolerant civic life and culture for the people of the Commonwealth.
PLP 2018 Profile: Kyle Elliott
Name: Kyle Elliott
Birthplace and/or where you grew up: I was born in Seattle, WA (Go Hawks!) and moved to Fairfax County when I was 12-years-old. I attended high school at Flint Hill in Oakton before moving on to UVA (WAHOOWA!) and then law school at W&M.
PLP 2018 Profile: Tina Pullen
Name: Christina Pullen
Birthplace and/or where you grew up: Norfolk
Where do you currently call home? Chesapeake
Occupation: Public Affairs Officer, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Norfolk Field Office
PLP 2018 Profile: Rich Breeden
Name: Richard “Rich” Breeden
Birthplace and/or where you grew up: Waynesboro, VA
Where do you currently call home? Spotsylvania, VA
Occupation: Vice President, Kingfisher Systems, Inc.
PLP 2018 Profile: Sam Cohen
Name: Samantha Cohen
Birthplace and/or where you grew up: Bedford, NY
Where do you currently call home? Roanoke, VA
Occupation: Appeals, Virginia Department of Veterans Services
PLP 2018 Profile: Ty Bates
Name: Tyvon “Ty” Bates
Birthplace and/or where you grew up: Richmond, VA
Where do you currently call home? Richmond, VA
PLP 2018 Profile: Maria Ciarrocchi
Name: Maria Ciarrocchi
Birthplace and/or where you grew up: Philadelphia, PA
Where do you currently call home? Alexandria, VA
Check out the Sorensen political links page to discover new insights into politics in Virginia. We seek out new informational resources and frequently update the page with new links so bookmark it for later (or set it as your homepage if you like).